Reuben Bake: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Sandwich
When it comes to comfort food, few things can rival the satisfaction of biting into a warm and flavorful Reuben sandwich. With its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing, it’s a timeless favorite. But what if you could enjoy all the deliciousness of a Reuben sandwich in a convenient and mouthwatering casserole? That’s where Reuben Bake comes in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reuben Bake takes all the classic elements of a Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a delightful one-dish meal. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying but don’t have the time or energy to make individual sandwiches. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day!
Not only is Reuben Bake incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing is a winning flavor combination that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
To make Reuben Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 can of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of Russian dressing
- 1 loaf of rye bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste by adding extra ingredients or making substitutions. For example, you can use turkey or pastrami instead of corned beef, or use a different type of cheese if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Reuben Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed rye bread and melted butter. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle half of the caraway seeds (if using) over the bread cubes and toss again.
- Spread half of the bread cubes in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the corned beef slices over the bread cubes, followed by half of the sauerkraut and half of the Swiss cheese slices.
- Drizzle half of the Russian dressing over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, starting with the bread cubes and ending with the Russian dressing.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the Reuben Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice into squares and serve warm.
Pro Tips: For extra flavor, you can toast the bread cubes before assembling the casserole. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of Russian dressing according to your preference. If you like it saucier, add a bit more; if you prefer a lighter coating, use less.
Variations and Substitutions
While Reuben Bake is delicious as is, you can also get creative and customize the recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the corned beef with vegetarian deli slices or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meatless twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of bread cubes to make a keto-friendly version of this dish.
- Reuben Dip: Instead of layering the ingredients, mix everything together in a bowl, transfer to a baking dish, and bake until bubbly. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.
Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite variation!
Serving Suggestions
Reuben Bake is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a few accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Crunchy Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy flavors of coleslaw complement the rich flavors of the Reuben Bake perfectly.
- Pickle Spears: Serve the casserole with tangy dill pickle spears for a burst of flavor.
- Irish-Inspired Beverage: Toast to the Irish heritage of the Reuben sandwich with a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey.
Get creative and have fun with your serving suggestions!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Reuben Bake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and follow the baking instructions as usual.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers of Reuben Bake. Once it has cooled completely, transfer individual portions or the whole casserole to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: What can I do with leftover Russian dressing?
A: Russian dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways. You can use it as a dip for vegetables or chicken tenders, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over a salad. It also makes a great marinade for chicken or pork.
Final Thoughts
Reuben Bake is a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich that brings all the flavors you love in a convenient and delicious casserole. With its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that will please both Reuben sandwich enthusiasts and casserole lovers.
So, next time you’re craving the flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want something a little different, give Reuben Bake a try. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!
Reuben Bake
A delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, this Reuben Bake is a convenient and mouthwatering casserole layered with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Russian dressing
- 1 loaf rye bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, toss cubed rye bread with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle half of the caraway seeds over the bread cubes.
-
Spread half of the bread cubes in the baking dish and layer corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
-
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with Russian dressing.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Let the Reuben Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve warm.
